Presentations on
the sacrifices made by German-Americans during World War I and research
on smallmouth bass in the Eel River drew top honors at the 9th
Annual Dean’s Student Scholarship Symposium at Manchester College.

History and
German major Sam Cox of Kokomo and environmental studies major Jared
Mobley of North Manchester each received The Jo Young Switzer Award for
Excellence and $150 following an afternoon of presentations by 26
Manchester students on Friday, March 9.

“The quality of
the papers was astounding,” said Glenn R. Sharfman, vice president and
dean for academic affairs. “Our students turned out work that was,
in many instances, graduate quality. It is so gratifying to see
students motivated by scholarly material and be able to be authoritative
in their area. Their faculty mentors also deserve a great deal of
credit for giving their time to help students achieve their best.”

Mobley, a junior,
discussed reproduction, habitat preference and year class strength of
smallmouth bass in the Eel River, near North Manchester, based on a
research project last summer. The report on his research with another
student also won Best Student Paper for the American Fisheries
Society. Mobley’s mentor is Dr. Jerry Sweeten, assistant professor of
biology and director of environmental studies.

Cox, a senior,
looked to history for his presentation. “Finding their loyalty
questioned all around them, German-Americans sacrificed their culture,
language and unique identity in the face of overwhelming pressure to
become true Americans and prove their dedication to their new homeland,”
said Cox, a graduate of Northwestern High School in Kokomo. He was
mentored by Dr. Katherine Tinsley and Dr. Mark
Angelos, associate professors of history.

Other
presentations ranged from research on gypsy moths, the Commercial
Revolution and biodegradation of certain pharmaceuticals to American
Sign Language in elementary school, vertical jumping and U.S.
intervention in Nicaragua.